The SWAC announced its football preseason poll Wednesday morning, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff was picked to finish last in the West Division.
UAPB received 28 points, the fewest of any team in the division and second only to Mississippi Valley State conference-wide, though the Golden Lions received one first-place vote.
This marks the second time in as many years UAPB has been predicted to finish last in the division.
Southern was picked to repeat as West Division champion and received 17 of the 21 available first-place votes. Alcorn State was picked second, followed by Prairie View A&M, Texas Southern and Grambling State.
Jackson State was tabbed to win the SWAC East Division with 16 first-place votes. Three first place votes went to Florida A&M, which was picked to finish second. Alabama State, Alabama A&M, Bethune-Cookman and Mississippi Valley State round out the division in that order.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The preseason poll closely resembles last year’s final standings, with the biggest difference being Prairie View swapping spots with rival Texas Southern. UAPB finished tied with Grambling for fifth last year at 2-6 in SWAC play.
Out east, Alabama State and FAMU finished tied for second a year ago. The rest of the standings match this year’s preseason poll.
UAPB will open the season on Aug. 30 at Texas Tech. The first SWAC game will be the Southern Heritage Classic against Alcorn State on Sept. 27 in Memphis.
2025 SWAC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
SWAC East
1. Jackson State; 126 points (16)
2. Florida A&M 99 points (3)
3. Alabama State; 91 points (2)
4. Alabama A&M 62 points
5. Bethune-Cookman; 45 points (1)
6. Mississippi Valley State; 24 points
SWAC West
1. Southern; 120 points (17)
2. Alcorn State; 90 points (2)
3. Prairie View A&M 72 points (1)
4. Texas Southern; 60 points
5. Grambling State; 55 points
6. UAPB; 28 points (1)
* First place votes listed in parentheses ( )